Before you step up to speak in public, your knees tremble, even before reaching the podium. Expanding your network is a goal, yet you’d prefer anything to engaging in small talk with strangers. Contributing to meetings would boost your professional reputation, but the fear of uttering something wrong holds you back. Such situations, professionally crucial but personally terrifying, are regrettably commonplace. Avoidance often seems like the easiest response—after all, who wants to endure anxiety unnecessarily?
However, the issue lies in the fact that these tasks aren’t merely unpleasant; they’re also indispensable. As we progress and develop in our careers, we continually encounter situations necessitating behavioral adjustments. It’s an inherent aspect of today’s professional world. Without the ability and bravery to face these challenges, we risk missing significant opportunities for advancement. So, how can professionals break free from the cycle of avoidance when it comes to these unpleasant yet professionally rewarding tasks?
To start, be truthful with yourself. When you declined that opportunity to speak at a major industry conference, was it truly because of a lack of time, or did the fear of taking the stage play a significant role? When you refrained from addressing that coworker undermining you, was it genuinely because you believed the issue would resolve itself, or were you afraid of confrontation? Scrutinize the excuses you typically employ to avoid venturing beyond your comfort zone and question their validity. If someone else presented you with those same excuses for their actions, would you view them as legitimate reasons or mere excuses? The answer may not always be clear, but without an honest assessment of your motives, overcoming inaction remains elusive.
Next, adapt the behavior to suit your preferences. Very few individuals struggle in every possible challenging work scenario. While you might find small talk difficult in general, you may excel when discussing a topic you’re well-versed in. Alternatively, networking might be a challenge, except when it occurs in an intimate setting.
Recognize these opportunities and exploit them—don’t attribute this variability to chance. We can often modify what we have to do to make it more manageable by tailoring situations to minimize discomfort. For example, if you feel uneasy speaking in front of large, noisy crowds, seek out quiet corners or step outside into a less chaotic environment to engage in conversations. If public speaking and networking events are daunting, but smaller groups are less intimidating, actively seek opportunities to connect with these smaller groups or arrange intimate coffee meetings with those you wish to network with.
Lastly, take the leap. To break free from your comfort zone, you must venture into the uncomfortable. Implement strategies that compel you to take action, and you might discover that what you initially dreaded isn’t as daunting as anticipated.
Start with small steps. Instead of immediately speaking at an industry event, consider enrolling in a public speaking class. Rather than addressing a boardroom filled with senior colleagues, begin by speaking up in smaller meetings with peers to gauge your comfort level. Additionally, see if you can enlist a close friend or colleague to offer guidance and support ahead of challenging situations.
You may encounter stumbling blocks, but that’s perfectly fine. In fact, it’s the only way to learn, particularly if you acknowledge that missteps are an inevitable—and, in fact, vital—component of the learning process. Ultimately, even though we may feel powerless in unfamiliar situations, we possess more power than we realize. So, take the plunge. Be candid with yourself, adapt the behavior to your liking, and embrace the challenge. Chances are, you’ll be pleased with the opportunity to grow, learn, and expand your professional repertoire.
Source: Harvard Business Review
